Text "Some impressions" (Thomas Kromer)

That long awaited Saturday was, for me, the best day (or should I better say night?) in 1985 - it was the day of the Live Aid Concert in London and Philadelphia. Together with some friends (a Stonesfan and two non-Stonesfans) I saw the whole show on TV, from 12:30 PM till 5:10 AM.

During the first five hours nothing remarkable happened (the only exception was the Dutch contribution: B. B. King!... yeah, I still like that dirty old blues!). The first really interesting act were George Thorogood and his Destroyers - his way to play the guitar is very similar to Keith or Master Berry Himself. Who wonders that his musical roots are born in Rhythm'n Blues! Then the names of the groups became better and better - Dire Straits, The Who, the Bowie / Jagger-video "Dancing in the street" (an old Martha & The Vandellas-title), The Pretenders, Neil Young, Stills Nash & Young (yes, David Crosby was also on stage with 'em - but he was too stoned to sing!), Led Zeppelin and especially Eric Clapton! He was always my favorite after the Stones. Old Slowhand did a great show, surely the best till that 13th July - "White room", "She's waiting" and "Layla" were really exciting! The first time on that day my heart beat faster (because of the music - or because of the beer and smoking... EH, surely 'cause of the muzak!).

At about 4:15 AM Bette Midler's announcement - Mick Jagger live on stage! I couldn't believe it, I was really nervous. "Lonely at the top", "Just another night", "Miss you", "State of shock" & "It's only rock'n roll" (Hey Tina! Right, it's only rock'n roll - but PURE!!). A legendary gig: He started like we all know & love so very much, always in movement, dancing across the whole stage and singing like hell!

The strange thing was - I noticed my two friends, normally ignorant to the Stones and Jagger, singing and clapping their hands! I really enjoyed that moment. Remember, thsi guy 42 years old now - but he still dances and makes his show like an 18 years old boy. I think one really can say he's the greatest rock'n'roll-performer in the world...

And after Mick the absolute highlight: Bob Dylan with Woody and Keith on the acoustic guitars! Though, the music of that chaotic trio wasn't that good 'cause Woody and Keith were totally out of tune (Think the human riff had a little too much Jack Daniel's...).

Anyway, it was an indescribable feeling seeing Mick, Keith and Woody (but where the hell were Charlie and Bill?) back on stage again! Now it's over - but I still can't believe it...

Publication

1985.10.02

Charlie is Good Tonight nr. 4